Contrasting Two Blood Types

"...and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

-Hebrews 12:24

Cain thought that no one had seen him kill his brother Abel. After all, there were only a handful of human beings living on the earth during this time. Plus, Cain and Abel were the only ones in the field. Cain thought he had gotten away with the perfect murder. But someone was watching Cain. Someone always watches us when we sin. Even though Abel was dead, the Lord says in Genesis 4:10 says that Abel’s blood is “crying to me from the ground”. Blood had been shed; a sin had been committed. Abel was crying out for retribution and justice against his murderer. The Lord heard his cry.

Fast forward thousands of years later to Hebrews chapter 12. The author writes of the blood of Christ, through which was made a new covenant with God’s elect. The author writes that the blood of Christ “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel”. The author contrasts the blood of Abel, which cried out for justice, with Christ’s blood, which reaches out with redemption and salvation.

There must be a punishment for disobedience, no matter how small the sin. Abel was punished by banishment, estrangement, and curse. Praise the Lord that we do not suffer the fate of Abel when we sin! Justice and retribution for our cosmic crimes against God have already been accomplished through the blood of Christ, which blankets us with redemption and salvation. That is what makes the blood of Christ greater than any other shed blood.